Review of Shattered Glass (2003) by Mc L — 06 Jan 2015

Well this ended up being pretty good. It started out weak, kinda dry a little dull but developed into an engrossing and surprisingly suspenseful story. Its based on a true story following Stephen Glass, a young reporter for the New Republic whose up and coming career in the 1990's came to a screeching halt when it was discovered that he had fabricated many of his stories.

Hayden Christensen plays Glass and I thought he did a great job; his character is annoying, whiny, simpering and constantly craving praise while preying on the good nature and sympathy of others. Not very likeable. When he gets caught out (by Steve Zahn & Rosario Dawson) watching him try to cover his tracks regarding fact checking, sources and phone #'s was fascinating, it kind of made me squirm.

Peter Sarsgaard plays his editor, put in a tough spot because he wants to believe him and knows a shit storm is coming if indeed Glass has fabricated his stories but eventually the chain of events can't be ignored. There are some weird moments when Glass is fantasizing events so its kind of confusing as to what's real, I guess this is to show how much Glass believed his own lies. And I surprised myself with how much sympathy I felt for him in the end, his character is heartbreaking, so messed up. 1/5/15.